NIPOST launches digital payment platform for international parcels

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has unveiled its automated payment solution for inbound international parcels.

NIPOST said the solution is a digital platform designed to eliminate long queues, enhance transparency, and simplify customs payments for individuals and businesses engaged in cross-border trade.

According to a statement, the launch, held in Abuja on Thursday, marked a significant milestone in the service’s ongoing transformation under the supervision of Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy.

Speaking at the event, Tijani described the initiative as “a living example of how a modern public service should operate, in partnership with innovators, technology, and citizens”.

The minister, represented by Rafiu Adeladan, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said the collaboration between NIPOST and its private-sector partners, such as Paystack, Sendbox, and Messenger, demonstrates what can be achieved when government agencies adopt digital innovation and prioritise citizen-centred service delivery.

“Together, they have built a system that reduces friction, builds trust, and turns government into a platform for innovation,” Tijani was quoted as saying.

“This collaboration between NIPOST and its private-sector partners shows what happens when government institutions stop working in isolation and start working in partnership, with innovators, with technology, and with citizens at the centre of our thinking, a citizen-centred service.”

The minister acknowledged widespread frustration caused by delays, hidden charges, and long queues at post offices, noting that the inefficiencies are more than customer service issues.

Tijani said they hinder trade, e-commerce, and the growth of small businesses competing in global markets.

‘NIPOST TO EXTEND SERVICE TO EXPORTS’

In her remarks, Tola Odeyemi, postmaster general of the federation, described the platform as “a new chapter” in NIPOST’s history, “one that combines legacy public service with fintech and innovation”.

She noted that while the current phase focuses on inbound shipments, NIPOST plans to extend the service to exports through its forthcoming tradepost project.

The postmaster said the move aims to boost Nigeria’s participation in global e-commerce, noting that a key benefit of the new platform is real-time revenue remittance to the coffers of the government.

“For the government, this means transparency and efficiency. For customers, it means speed, convenience, and confidence,” Odeyemi added.

In his goodwill message, Shola Akinlade, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Paystack, described the project as a “proud moment” that proves government agencies can move with startup-level speed.

Olusegun Afolahan, CEO and co-founder of Sendbox, commended NIPOST for its clarity of vision and openness to innovation.

On his part, Essien Etuk, co-founder of Messenger, said the partnership has brought “sanity to the last mile” of Nigeria’s logistics ecosystem.

“For the first time, we’re seeing progress that will mean happier customers, faster deliveries, and more revenue for both NIPOST and the broader digital economy,” Etuk said.

In the statement, NIPOST said the launch of the automated payment solution follows the government’s broader ‘renewed hope’ digital economy agenda, which prioritises digital public infrastructure, and private-sector partnerships to modernise public services, enhance transparency, and enhance national competitiveness.